FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Confidential Wellness Visits for First Responders
A proactive, confidential consultation designed to support the long-term health, resilience, and well-being of first responders without stigma, diagnosis, or mandatory treatment
What is a Wellness Visit?
A wellness visit is a confidential, one-on-one consultation between a first responder and a licensed mental health professional.
🚫 It is not therapy
🚫 It is not a fitness-for-duty evaluation
🚫 It is not a psychological assessment
🚫 It is not an indication that someone is struggling or in need of treatment
Instead, wellness visits provide employees with an opportunity to build familiarity with trusted mental health professionals, learn practical strategies to maintain well-being, and access culturally competent resources before challenges become crises.
Supporting First Responders Before Problems Escalate
First responders face unique occupational stressors including:
✓ Chronic sleep disruption
✓ Exposure to traumatic events
✓ Operational stress
✓ Cumulative stress exposure
✓ Compassion fatigue
✓ Family and relationship strain
✓ Burnout and emotional exhaustion
Wellness visits create a structured opportunity to strengthen resilience, normalize conversations about mental well-being, and connect personnel with resources when needed.
Outcomes
• Reduce stigma surrounding mental health support
• Increase trust in licensed mental health professionals
• Provide confidential access to culturally competent resources
• Strengthen resilience and wellness practices
• Promote early intervention when desired by the participant
• Support healthier departments and stronger teams
What Wellness Visits Include
Confidential Consultation
A private conversation with a licensed mental health professional experienced in working with first responders.
What Wellness Visits Include
Confidential Consultation
A private conversation with a licensed mental health professional experienced in working with first responders.
Wellness Education
Practical guidance on:
• Sleep optimization
• Stress management
• Recovery practices
• Breathing techniques to reduce stress-based arousal
• Building and maintaining social support
Resource Connection
Participants receive access to:
• First responder-informed clinicians
• Peer support resources
• Employee Assistance Program information
• Community resources
• Crisis and emergency support information
Additional referrals are provided only with participant permission.
What Wellness Visits Include
Confidential Consultation
A private conversation with a licensed mental health professional experienced in working with first responders.
Wellness Education
Practical guidance on:
• Sleep optimization
• Stress management
• Recovery practices
• Breathing techniques to reduce stress-based arousal
• Building and maintaining social support
Resource Connection
Participants receive access to:
• First responder-informed clinicians
• Peer support resources
• Employee Assistance Program information
• Community resources
• Crisis and emergency support information
Additional referrals are provided only with participant permission.
Confidentiality Is Fundamental
Wellness visits are confidential and designed to provide first responders with a safe environment to discuss wellness concerns, stress management strategies, and available resources.
Participation in discussion with the clinician is voluntary, even when attendance is required. Agencies receive only a signed and dated attendance form from the clinician.
Before participation, each member receives information regarding confidentiality, privacy practices, and informed consent.
Endorsements
From Police Officers at the Stress Inoculation & Recovery Training:
"Very informative and useful. Opened my eyes to things that have been going on in my life for some time now. Things that I was aware of, but no real knowledge of it.”
“Information provided is relative and actionable. This should be included as a part of a comprehensive wellness program for all public safety agencies.”
“If you’re a first responder you NEED the tools Dr. Birkley introduces you to at this training.”
“These types of trainings should be encouraged more due to the hesitation of first responders to talk about the topic.”
“Listen to a talk from Dr. Birkley and put her advice to action BEFORE you have an incident occur.”
From Firefighters at the Emotional Decon for the Fire Service Training:
“The session was very professional with the clinicians being more personable than one would perceive. Dr Birkley was able to open up about human elements in her personal life which definitely shows how committed she is in her career choice.”
Firefighter/Paramedic Following a Wellness Visit:
“Wellness visit went well. Thank you Emily for listening.”
From Business Owners Following Wellness at Work: Why and How to Invest in Mental Health
“Extremely beneficial!”
“Gave concrete, relevant ideas.”
“Discussion about how being able to better relate and care about your associates leads to improved morale and long term results.”
From Couples Training: Protect and Heal from Stress Exposure with your Homefront Partner:
“Very informative and something everyone needs to hear.”
“Worth the time spent.”
“I wish we went more in detail about some things and I would like to make an appointment.”
“Informative and very insightful about how trauma affects our relationships.”
From Trained Peer Supporters following: Stress, Mental Health Symptoms, and Hope in Treatment for Peer Supporters
“I think this session was extremely valuable to both my personal life and to be able to assist my peers. A lot of the techniques are simple, and just need a minimal amount of time and effort to have them succeed.”
“Very insightful. Very knowledgeable about situations and issues affecting law enforcement. Obvious desire to help."
“She gets it- knows how to speak the lingo and what’s important.”
“Incredible. Actionable content that can be used immediately.”
From Promoting Stress Recovery and Resilience for Public Safety Servants
“Erica was spot on with what First Responders go through with PTSD, stress, anxiety, and depression. She offered valuable information on how to cope and deal with these issues.”
“Uncomfortable but needed, especially for First Responders.”
From Officer Wellness Training: Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Healthy Relationships
“Thank you. For sharing Christian based ideas in the world of counseling. Especially in Law Enforcement. You are a city on a hill.”
“We can take small steps every day to improve our relationships and communication… nothing is beyond hope!”
“Thank you. For sharing Christian based ideas in the world of counseling. Especially in Law Enforcement. You are a city on a hill.”
“We can take small steps every day to improve our relationships and communication… nothing is beyond hope!”
“Relevant and timely. Great investment of time to spend with such a knowledgeable and awesome resource!”
“Very valuable for anyone in law enforcement careers or anyone that feels like the struggle with communicating at home or at work.”
Wellness Visit Testimonials
Fire Fighters
“It was very helpful but we only had so much time to cover stuff. Meeting again would cover more things in depth.”
“Topics important to me were covered.”
Dispatchers
“The visits are a great way to talk about anything in a safe non judgmental environment. The recommendations and support provided are very helpful.”
“The provider was very pleasant and easy to talk to. She was able to recommend services that I might find beneficial if the need ever arises.”
Police Officers
“Well visit went well, I think getting pass the stigma of mental health and law enforcement was a hard first step but going forward it should be easier.”
“Would prefer if these were scheduled like regular check ups, maybe a monthly thing.”
“I would not change the initial visit. It was a great initial conversation and brought a comfortableness to the program. A "get to know you" session which established trust.”
“I thought to be an informative meeting and have no suggestions for any improvements. I feel like many topics were covered and can’t think of any that were not talked about.”
“I thought the visit was well structured and left the floor open to anything comfortable worth talking about.”
“I did not go in seeking much, and probably got more than I was looking for. Very kind and easy to speak with.”
“First time doing anything like this, I think it went well.”
Experienced Professionals Who Understand The Culture
Dr. Erica Birkley, PhD, APBB
Owner of Birkley Consulting and Board Certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology with more than a decade of experience serving first responders and their families.
Emily Fumarola, MSW, LISW-S
Licensed social worker with extensive crisis response experience, EMDR training, and years of work alongside first responder populations.
Dr. Roger Schmidt, PhD, APBB
is a Board Certified Psychologist. His unique combination of clinical expertise and firsthand experience in law enforcement allows him to provide practical, culturally competent support tailored to the realities first responders face every day.
Jon Habig, LPC
Licensed professional counselor, peer support team leader, and 24-year law enforcement veteran with extensive experience supporting first responder and military populations.
Departments We Have Partnered With
Bellevue Police Department
Delhi Township Fire Department
Franklin Township Fire & EMS
Hamilton Police Department
Harrison Fire Department
Loveland Police Department
Warren County Emergency Management
References available upon request.
Flexible Program Delivery
Location Options
• On-site in a private department or municipal facility
• Virtual appointments through HIPAA-compliant video conferencing
Participation Options
Mandatory Program Participation
Departments may require attendance while maintaining participant choice regarding what they disclose during the visit.
Voluntary Participation
Members may choose whether to schedule and participate.
In either model, participants retain full control over the content of the conversation.
We are also happy to meet with labor unions, peer support teams, and leadership groups to answer questions and discuss program implementation.
Supporting Resources Included
During the contracting process, agencies may review:
• Wellness Visit Disclosure & Informed Consent
• HIPAA Privacy Practices
• Wellness Attendance Letter
• Wellness Strategy Guide
• Referral Resource Directory
• Provider Resumes and Curriculum Vitae
• Certifications and insurance documentation
Time & Cost
$200 per 50-minute wellness visit for Board-Certified Psychologists Dr. Birkey or Dr. Schmidt
$150 per 50-minute wellness visit for Masters-Level Clinicians Ms. Fumarola and Mr. Habig
We are committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and effective mental health care for individuals, families, and agencies.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
- Psalm 46:1
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This publication is designed to provide general information prepared by a professional in regard to the subject matter covered. It is not intended to provide psychological or clinical advice. Although prepared by a professional, this publication should not be utilized as a substitute for professional service in specific situations. If mental health advice or other expert assistance is required, the service of a professional should be sought.
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